| Phoenix Rising | |
| Location: | Busch Gardens Tampa Bay |
| Section: | Pantopia |
| Coordinates: | 28.0385°N -82.4224°W |
| Status: | Operating |
| Opened: | July 21, 2024 |
| Previousattraction: | Sand Serpent |
| Type: | Steel |
| Type2: | Inverted |
| Manufacturer: | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Inversions: | 0 |
| Length Ft: | 1,831 |
| Height Ft: | 80 |
| Speed Mph: | 44 |
| Virtual Queue Name: | Quick Queue |
| Virtual Queue Status: | available |
| Lift: | Chain lift hill |
| Model: | Inverted Coaster – Custom |
| Duration: | 1:26 |
| Trains: | 1 |
| Carspertrain: | 10 |
| Rowspercar: | 1 |
| Ridersperrow: | 2 |
| Restriction In: | 42 |
| Logodimensions: | 122px |
| Rcdb Number: | 21221 |
Phoenix Rising is a family inverted roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, United States. The roller coaster, which opened on July 21, 2024, was manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), and is the park's tenth roller coaster. Phoenix Rising mimics the sensation of the legendary phoenix taking flight. The roller coaster reaches a height of 80 feet (24 m), and has a maximum speed of 44 mph (71 km/h) during a 1-minute 26 second duration.[1] [2]
Phoenix Rising is located in the Pantopia section of the park next to Scorpion, Falcon's Fury, and Carousel Caravan.[3] [4] [5] The trains contain on-board audio with echoing “caws” being heard during the experience, with four distinct thematic options, each representing a different phoenix: Ignis (protecter of the desert realm), Glacius (protecter of the mountaintops and glaciers), Terra (protector of the rainforests), and Aqua (protector of the ocean realm).[6] It is the most recent expansion and attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.[7]
Planning for Phoenix Rising began in early 2022, with the aim of creating a family-friendly roller coaster that would stand out in the park's lineup.[8] Construction officially began in late 2023, with the installation of the first support beams and track sections.[9]
The ride occupies the land formerly used by the Sand Serpent wild mouse coaster and the Phoenix looping starship.[10] The construction process involved significant groundwork, including the installation of concrete footers and foundations.[11] By early 2024, the ride's track and support structures were completed, and testing began shortly thereafter.
The ride was one of the most anticipated roller coasters of 2024.[12] On July 17, 2024, Phoenix Rising opened up to passholders and media members. The ride opened to the general public on July 21, 2024.[13]
The 1,831-foot-long (558m) Phoenix Rising stands as North America's tallest and longest inverted family coaster.[14] The ride features a series of twists, turns, an over-banked curve, and drops over the Serengeti Plain, providing an exhilarating flight experience.[15] With a height requirement of just 42 inches (107 cm), it is one of the park's most accessible attractions.
The ride operates with a single train, containing 10 cars, with each car seating 2 riders in a single row for a total of 20 riders per train.
Three screens in the dispatch station display an animated phoenix which flies around before the coaster starts. The animated phoenix is different each time and matches with the different colors from the banners in the queue.[16] [17]
Guests enter the vibrant area of Pantopia, where the queue takes place. The queue begins with an outdoor area featuring switchbacks and a viewing area of the ride. Guests then navigate through a themed corridor adorned with murals depicting the legend of the phoenix. The dispatch station contains three LED screens to the right of the trains, which display an animated phoenix flying around before the coaster starts. The animated phoenix is different each time and matches with the different colors from the banners in the queue.
The train leaves the station with a small right-handed-turn, tracking towards the chain lift hill. Once at the top, the ride dives down into a twisty drop. Riders experience a series of additional twists and turns before the ride takes an over-banked curve that brings riders close to flipping upside down above the rides' entrance sign. The ride sharply swings right for several beats then swings left for another few beats before returning to the loading dispatch station. On-ride speakers allow riders to hear the flaps of a phoenix's wings.
Phoenix Rising at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay contains no full inversions, following the family-friendly coaster theme.[18]
Phoenix Rising has been well received by guests and critics alike. The ride has been praised for its family-friendly design and immersive experience. Stewart Clark, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, stated, "We are thrilled to officially open Phoenix Rising to our guests and pass members. With a height requirement of just 42 inches, it’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy together".[19] [20]